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Puff Adders
Puff adders are widespread and highly adaptable vipers, recognised for their distinctive puffing behavior when threatened. Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, they inhabit diverse environments including savannas, grasslands, and forests. Their cryptic coloration allows them to blend into their surroundings, making them effective ambush predators. They strike quickly and use their potent cytotoxic venom to immobilize and digest their prey. Adults typically grow to 1.0 to 1.2 meters (3.3 to 4 feet) in length, but can occasionally reach up to 1.8 meters (6 feet). Puff adders are responsible for many snakebites due to their proximity to human settlements and their tendency to remain still when approached. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and educating the public about snake safety to reduce unnecessary killing and ensure their ecological role is maintained.
Scientific Name: Bitis arietans
- Habitat: Puff adders are widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and can be found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, forests, and semi-deserts. They prefer areas with plenty of cover such as tall grass, scrub, and rocky outcrops.
- Diet: Puff adders primarily feed on small mammals, birds, amphibians, and other reptiles. They are ambush predators, relying on their excellent camouflage to remain hidden while waiting for prey.
- Physical Characteristics: Puff adders are robust, heavily built snakes with a distinctive triangular head. Their coloration varies but generally includes a pattern of dark bands and blotches on a background of yellow, brown, or grey, providing excellent camouflage. They are known for their ability to “puff up” their bodies when threatened, hence their name.
- Lifespan: In the wild, puff adders can live up to 10-15 years, while in captivity, they can live up to 20 years with proper care.
- Reproduction: Puff adders are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young. They reach sexual maturity at about 2 to 3 years of age. Mating usually occurs during the rainy season, and after a gestation period of about 5 to 7 months, females give birth to litters ranging from 20 to 50 young.
- Conservation Status: The puff adder is not currently listed on the IUCN Red List, as their populations are generally stable. However, they face threats from habitat destruction and persecution by humans due to their venomous nature.
Puff Adders at Chipangali
Puff Adder
Species: Puff Adder
Age on Arrival: Various
Arrival Date: Various
Sex: Both
The Story of the Puff Adders: Puff adders often arrive at Chipangali after being discovered in homes or chicken coops. Their slow movements make them easy to spot, allowing staff to safely relocate or nurse them. They teach visitors about their ecological importance as predators of small mammals and birds, helping reduce fear and encouraging coexistence with these often-misunderstood snakes.
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